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Choosing the right climbing gear is all about safety, comfort, and functionality. This is especially true with climbing harnesses, which are the main equipment that will keep you from getting into serious trouble during one of your climbs, regardless of what discipline you’re into. This list will give you an idea of what climbing harnesses to consider, depending on your inclination. Remember that these harnesses all passed safety regulations and are all safe to use. It is also good to know that the price of these brands varies from one store to another, so it’s best to leave it out and focus instead on their respective features and purposes. Here are fifteen of the best climbing harnesses in 2020m we reviewed them for you in this article! We also give you some quick specifications and cool features, as well as a recommendation which area of rock sports the harness is most suitable for.
Arc’teryx FL-365
Specs:
Weight: 12.9 oz
Leg loops: Fixed, elastic
Gear loops: 4 with 1 extra loop (extra gear loop or haul loop)
Ice clipper slots: 4
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: Warp Strength Technology
Features:
• All-rounder
• Very comfortable
• Good storage
• Compact, lightweight and durable
Best for:
• Overall use
• Trad, alpine or sport climbing
More than just being fast and light, the Arc’teryx FL-365 has unparalleled versatility. Thanks to its unique webbing called Warp Strength Technology, which simultaneously disperses body weight throughout the waist and leg loops and gives a high degree of support, sans the bulky padding. Moves with the body while walking.
It comes with a waist auto-locking buckle, a rear hook to allow drop-seat functionality, and stretchable legs loops to fit any body type. Four gear loops and another four ice clipper slots are making sure that this harness could take on any type of route, whether you’re into trad, alpine, or sport climbing. This compact and lightweight harness is one of the more expensive brands in the market, but its durability and all-around high performance are worth your money. When it comes to overall usability, Arc’teryx FL-365 leads the pack.
Petzl Sitta
Specs:
Weight: 9.5 oz
Leg loops: Fixed, elastic
Gear loops: 4
Haul loops: Yes
Ice clipper slots: 2
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: WireFrame Technology
Features:
• Versatile
• Very lightweight and very compact
• High strength and durability despite its weight
Best for:
• Intensive lightweight climbs
• Sport, alpine
Originally designed for very light climbing and mountaineering, Petzl Sitta is not that versatile compared to Arc’teryx FL-365, but there is no doubt, this harness sits at the top of its class. What makes a Petzl Sitta special is its WireFrame Technology that uses strong flat-lying Spectra strands instead of foam padding to make it a near-weightless harness but still, highly durable and comfortable. Surprisingly, the Petzl Sitta it gives a good deal of hanging comfort. No restriction on movement whatsoever, regardless of how much a climber is wearing.
It has separated gear loops, leg loop height adjuster, and a rear haul loop to make it perfect for alpine and sport climbing. The Sitta has two ice clipper slots on both sides. Despite its low profile, this harness has a lot of space to accommodate all the gear you need to rack, and the gear loops are big and come with a space giving the device to help sort and organize your gear.
The Sitta is extremely lightweight and compact, and if every ounce is accounted for in your climbing adventures, this harness is one of the best there is that gives you those qualities if you’re willing to spend a little bit more.
Black Diamond Big Gun
Specs:
Weight: 23 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable and removable
Gear loops: 7
Haul loops: Yes, 2 rated
Features:
• Comfortable with excellent padding
• Very Durable
• Extra gear loops for tools
Best for:
• Big wall climbing
When it comes to big wall action, the Black Diamond Big Gun is a comfortable climbing harness for climbers to own and use. It has a wide waistbelt and leg loops to help you spread weight comfortably, especially during long periods of hanging. A material called thermoformed foam shapes the waistbelt and added comfort to the user. Its trad buckles make movements easier and a lot faster.
The Black Diamond Big Gun provides seven color-coded gear loops to give you plenty of room for gear racks and tools and is very durable. Its padding system is designed for hours or days of comfortable sitting during your big wall climbing adventures. Even with its bulk, the Big Gun offers freedom of movement and is a great climbing harness for those projecting on big walls, but not if you’re planning to go fast and light.
Black Diamond Solution
Specs:
Weight: 12.3 oz
Leg loops: Fixed, elastic
Gear loops: 4
Haul loops: Yes
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: Fusion Comfort Construction
Features:
• Excellent comfort with breathable and quick-drying mesh
• Lightweight and slender
• Budget-friendly
Best for:
• Sport climbing and basic gym and needs
One of the more comfortable and affordable climbing harnesses around, the Black Diamond Solution gives a comfortable climbing experience, due to its use of Fusion Comfort Technology that avoids excessive padding and employs the use of unique webbing instead. As a result, its waist belt and leg loops efficiently spread the pressure during belaying or hanging in the harness.
The Solution’s has four gear loops that are somewhat small to accommodate gear for long free routes but are ideal for basic gym and sport climbing needs. If you’re wearing this harness while standing around, you’ll notice how comfortable and snugly it fits. If you’re looking for simple set-up and an all-around harness or gym climbing equipment, the Solution is perfect for you.
Camp USA Air CR EVO
Specs:
Weight: 12.3 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable
Gear loops: 4
Ice clipper slots: Yes
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Features:
• Ultralight
• Very compact
• Upgraded padding
• Breathable mesh
Best for:
• Lightweight rock or snow mountaineering
The Camp USA Air CR EVO is ideal for traveling light in the mountains, is one of the lightest and most compact specialty harnesses available on the market. Although simple and minimalistic, the Camp Air boasts of upgraded padding for comfort and durability.
Important features like four gear loops, self-locking buckle, haul loop, attachment for ice clipper slots, adjustable leg loops were not left out. This harness may not be suited for every day climbing, but if you’re planning to make long mountaineering adventures without the bulky gear, the Camp Air could present itself a good option.
Black Diamond Technician
Specs:
Weight: 13.8 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable
Gear loops: 5
Haul loops: Yes
Ice clipper slots: 4
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: Fusion Comfort Construction
Features:
• Versatile
• Plenty of gear storage
• Affordable
Best for:
• Winter or summer climbing
The Black Diamond Technician is a versatile harness that performs admirably well at all climbing styles. Although, Black Diamond’s use of its Fusion Comfort Construction didn’t exactly hit the spot with the Technician due to some rigidness issues with its waist belt and leg loops. Hanging comfort in the Technician seems a bit less compared to the Black Diamond Solution, as well as when walking around with it.
With a large fifth gear loop on the back along with four rigid gear loops on its side, the Technician could carry more load considering its reasonable price, and this is its saving grace. Overall, this harness can be considered a bargain if you look at other versatile all-season harnesses’ steep price.
Beal Rebel Soft
Specs:
Weight: 12.1 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable
Gear loops: 4
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: Web Core Technology
Features:
• Lightweight
• Compact
• Affordable
Best for:
• Sport climbing
The Beal Rebel Soft was designed to be lightweight and compact. It uses Web Core technology to distribute the weight along the arms and legs; that result is a relaxed fit to make moving the hands and feet easy. This harness has limited versatility since it can’t hold a lot of gear.
This harness features two waist belt buckles that have the purpose of adjusting the fit and centering the waist belt on the wearer’s back. The Rebel Soft has no haul loop, rear gear loops, large gear loops, or ice clipper attachment points that are essential if you’re going to do trad climbing. However, these gear loops are contoured and are effective to carry only so much load. This reasonably affordable harness is worthwhile to consider when you’re going to do some sport climbing. The other worthwhile feature of this harness is its weight and compactness.
Edeldrid Orion
Specs:
Weight: 14.6 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable
Gear loops: 4
Haul loop: Yes
Ice clipper slots: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: 3D-Vent Technology
Features:
• Very comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight and durable
• Wide gear loops
Best for:
• Warm weather climbing
With 3D-Vent Technology, the Edeldrid Orion leveled up in terms of comfort and breathability, and together with this harness’ lightness and durability, the Orion is ideal for long climbing sessions. However, the exposed webbing is prone to abrasion and could compromise this harness’ durability over time.
The Orion’s features include adjustable buckles on the waist belt and the leg loops. Its four gear loops are asymmetric in design and protruding and are easy to use. This harness also has attachment points for ice clippers and a small haul loop. Considering all these factors, the Orion is one of the more expensive harnesses around. You have to weigh the benefits against its price before investing in this harness.
Mammut Ophir 3 Slide
Specs:
Weight: 13 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable
Gear loops: 4
Haul loop: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: Two-Part Webbing Technology
Features:
• Breathable Mesh
• Comfortable Padding
• Affordable
Best for:
• Light and fast climbs
The Mammut Ophir 3 Slide is affordable with decent features that could be ideal for a trad and sport climbing harness. It uses semi-breathable double webbing technology and makes this harness comfortable and less sticky; this gives a relative comfort while hanging. Climbers could move freely using this harness.
This harness is a great option if you’re buying a harness for your first few climbs, as it works great at the gym or for a single pitch cragging. The Ophir is a good all-around harness with a drop-seat buckle, haul loop, and adjustable leg-loops. However, the Ophir lacks ice clipper slots, thus limiting its use and versatility. It also includes abrasion indicators to let you know when it’s time to buy a new one, which is a great feature since Mammut used thin foam in making this harness. Overall, the Ophir performs on a high level for a budget harness.
Black Diamond Solution Guide
Specs:
Weight: 14.1 oz
Leg loops: Unadjustable, elastic
Gear loops: 5
Haul loop: Yes
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: Super Fabric
Features:
• Versatile
• Very comfortable
• Durable
Best for:
• Multi-pitch rock climbs
The Solution Guide is regarded as the top harness for trad and multi-pitch climbing because it excels in gear carrying capacity, hanging comfort and durability and is versatile enough for sport or gym climbing. Black Diamond used ultra-durable super fabric and made this harness capable of taking a lot of wear and tear. The Solution Guide employs Fusion Comfort Technology in its waist belt and leg loops and has almost no thick padding. The comfort is almost unmatched by any harness in the market. Weight is evenly dispersed, and a climber remains comfortable even when hanging in this harness.
Its very low-profile design includes five easy to use gear loops. Two are found on its side, while the fifth gear loop is located at the back of the Solution Guide. There are a couple of things that prevent this harness from being perfect. First is its adjustable leg loops, which somewhat hinder belaying comfort. Secondly is its unrated haul loop. It lessens overall confidence in the Solution Guide to hold a fall. Other than these, the Solution Guide works beautifully.
Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe
Specs:
Weight: 20 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable
Gear loops: 4
Haul loop: Yes
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: Foam
Features:
• Very comfortable
• Very safe
• Very durable
• Fully strength-rated
Best for:
• Trad and all-day, multi-pitch climbs
The Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe has been available to trad climbers for years, and they know what this harness stands for – safety. Even the most experienced and careful climbers can make a mistake, that is why the big and heavy Metolius Safe Tech Deluxe focused on its safety features, which includes dual belay loops for double security and reinforced long-wearing tie-in point. This harness is part of Metolius’ Safe Tech line, making the materials fully strength-rated and provides superior comfort even when worn all-day, its shaped foam offers maximum support to the lower back. The Safe Tech Deluxe provides a level of safety. No other harness could match. If there ever is a bombproof harness, this is it.
With all these being said, the Safe Tech Deluxe has limited use, despite its makers claim that it is an all-around harness. In reality, the Safe Tech Deluxe is best used in long multi-pitch climbs, where climbers do a lot of hanging in their harnesses.
Black Diamond Momentum
Specs:
Weight: 11.9 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable
Gear loops: 4
Haul loop: Yes
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: Dual Core
Features:
• Very affordable
• Easily adjustable leg loops
• Good level of comfort despite its price
Best for:
• Gym and all-day routes
Despite being affordable, the Momentum competes with more expensive climbing harness in terms of comfort and durability. Black Diamond employs Dual Core Construction in making its waist belt, which essentially, two strips of webbing that were placed to distribute weight and padded with heavy foam.
The Momentum’s best feature would be its Trak Fit adjustable leg loops, which are the fastest and easiest ones to adjust in the market. This harness uses sliding plastic adjusters instead of buckles that only take a second per leg to adjust. The Momentum has a haul loop and laminated plastic gear loops that are rigid and are relatively small, which makes the Momentum not that versatile. However, due to its affordability, the Momentum is well-liked by new climbers cragging at local cliffs or training in gyms.
Petzl Sama
Specs:
Weight: 13.7 oz
Leg loops: Unadjustable, elastic
Gear loops: 4
Haul loop: Yes
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: EndoFrame Technology
Features:
• Very comfortable
• High-quality construction
• Affordable
Best for:
• Rock climbing
Many regards the Petzl Sama, as the best all-around climbing harness that a climber could own, and it seems, that they are not wrong. Petzl utilized a mix of split webbing and foam that resulted in a well-padded and durable harness. Despite being heavier than some of its competitors, the Sama is, at the same time, more durable and comfortable.
Its features include large gear loops, and a rated haul loop is ideal for long free routes and trad climbing. You could do some gym climbing as well, thanks to its fixed leg loop harness, that is elasticized but with a larger and looser fit. Both the Sama and the Petzl Adjama used Endoframe Technology in the waist belt and leg loops, to provide comfort.
The Sama has a great carrying capacity for added versatility. Hanging on a Sama is comparable to the best harnesses around, due to its restructured leg loops, weight is well distributed across the legs. The waist belt provides reasonable support to the lower back. This harness is one of the most versatile harnesses for rock climbing and is definitely worth its price.
Misty Mountain Cadillac
Specs:
Weight: 18.7 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable
Gear loops: 6
Haul loop: Yes
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: Foam
Features:
• Comfortable
• Hand-made
• Very durable
Best for:
• Big wall climbing
Make no mistake about it. The Misty Mountain Cadillac is a specialty climbing harness. If you’re into trad, multi-pitch, and aid climbing, then this harness is worthy of your consideration. Made by a small company with a long history of handcrafting harnesses and sewing climbing gear, the Cadillac is extremely well built.
Featuring a total of six gear loops, this harness has all the space you need for multi-pitch climbing, still with extra space to spare. Its full-strength haul loop is an essential security measure, just in case you need it two ropes for descending. The Cadillac’s padding gives its user a significant amount of comfort and allows great freedom of movement. If you’re getting the urge to own a fantastic multi-functional harness, the Cadillac is the harness you’re looking for.
Petzl Adjama
Specs:
Weight: 15.8 oz
Leg loops: Adjustable
Gear loops: 5
Haul loop: Yes
Safe locking buckle: Yes
Waste Belt/Leg Loops Construction: EndoFrame Technology
Features:
• Comfortable
• Affordable
• Functional features allowing versatility
Best for:
• Multi-pitch climbing
You will find the Petzl Adjama, as one of the more comfortable harnesses to use for hanging, thanks to its EndoFrame Technology used by Petzl harnesses, which is basically the use of thin breathable foam paddings. This harness combines comfort and gear carrying capacity, the two most essential parts of any harness intended for trad or multi-pitch climbing.
It is featuring adjustable leg loops that buckle into place and a waist belt that doesn’t loosen, five gear loops, and an additional haul loop for a tag line. Petzl also released its specialized ice clippers to be used with the Adjama without the need for ice clipper slots. With these features, Adjama fills a lot of needs when you’re doing a variety of climbing. This harness offers great value for its price.
Conclusion
Climbing as an outdoor or indoor activity has real risks. That is why looking at some of these harnesses could help experienced and future climbers, make the right choice. It is a very challenging task, and everyone should evaluate their strengths, as well as their weaknesses. It helps to do some research to check and re-check information about climbing harnesses to make sure you are getting the facts straight. Safety is the key to enjoy climbing and mountaineering, and a good harness helps a lot!
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